POSING TIPS FOR MODELS
Feeling & Looking Good
It is a good idea to be feeling good for a shoot so make sure you have early nights and drinks lots of water for three days prior to the day. This will also help your eyes and complexion as they are the most important part of the shoot. Before your shoot it is also a good idea to have a look through popular magazines to familiarize yourself with model poses and styles.
Clothing & Jewellery
You are required to provide your own clothing for the shoot. Please ensure that garments you bring are clean, stain and wrinkle free. The outfits that you will need to bring to the shoot are a formal or cocktail dress that is body flattering, three to four casual outfits, any special outfits you would like to be photographed in, bikinis and/or lingerie and sportswear if you have it. It is wise to also bring more that you need so that we have some different options. Also if there is anything else creative you would like, just let us know and we will see what we can do. For your face shoots you will need to bring something off the shoulders or strapless. Accessories that you will need to bring are matching earrings, neckless and chokers. General accessories for each outfit and shoes that match are also essential. Don’t forget high heels give you a better leg line.
Hair
If your hair is colored make sure there is no significant re-growth. If we are doing your hair, please ensure it is clean on arrival. If we are not doing your hair please have it styled prior to arrival and bring whatever hair accessories and products you may need.
Other Hair
Make sure that all required areas on the body are shaved or waxed prior to the shoot, and that eyebrows are shaped and not overgrown. Others visual facial hair must be removed or bleached depending on the density.
Makeup
If you are doing your own makeup please arrive with makeup applied of an industry professional standard. Bring your kit so that you can make minor changes throughout the day. You will need a good translucent powder to stop shine.
Hands and Nails
Must be clean and manicured no extreme nail polish. If you nails aren’t up to scratch, please bring party nails.
Skin
Drink lots of water during the days leading up to the shoot and stay out of the sun. You may like to consider a tan. If you are bikini modeling, almost definitely get a tan! If you use fake tan please ensure that it is a smooth non pigmented, not orange toned and that is applied between 24-48 hours prior to the shoot. Try and remove all visible tan lines where possible. It is best to be nude when getting your fake tan, if you can handle it! On the morning of the shoot cleanse and apply a light moisturizer all over. That is all. apply a good stain free deodorant because modeling is hard work!
General Information
Your shoot will take approximately 2-4 hours. Eat lightly prior to your shoot to avoid bloating. Ensure you do eat something; otherwise you will be low on energy and possibly have bad breath from your stomach being empty. If you are under 18 you MUST have a parent or guardian to sign the appropriate release forms or have the forms signed prior in the presence of a JP. You will require ID.
Tips Before Your Shoot
Most beautiful photographs don’t come naturally even with the most beautiful models. The photographer can give you some photo tips and guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or do high fashion shows, these modeling poses and photo tips will help you achieve more perfect photographs.
Breathe
Do not hold your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.
Posture
Keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. Flex your stomach muscles. This will make your abdomen appear more toned despite your weight or state of shape.
Limbs
When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one arm long and straight by your side, make sure the other arm is bent. The bend will make the modeling pose look more real, less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other leg a casual bend.
Camera
Do not always look directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a mix of head and eye poses. Your head and neck can remain stationary and your eyes can do all the work. Look off to the right or left side. Tilt your neck. Try different facial expressions.
Sitting Poses
Don’t slack off during sitting poses. If you are sitting down or reclining, put your weight on the back of one thigh, rather than distributing your weight equally on both thighs. This pose will result in a slimming effect!
Cleavage
While leaning forward bring your arms together at your waist, keep your arms straight at the elbows and clasp your hands together below your waist, or simply cross your arms. When leaning backward, raise your arms about your shoulders and head, keep your arms apart. Both poses will help maximize your cleavage.
Smile
To add variety to your modeling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modeling poses.
